Icosavax - Model IVX-421 - SARS-CoV-2 Beta (B.1.351) Variant VLP Vaccine Candidate
Icosavax has initiated development of IVX-421, a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate that incorporates an RBD antigen with critical mutations found in the SARS-CoV-2 beta strain.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from no symptoms to severe illness. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness. Vaccines are especially important for older adults, as their immune systems weaken (immunosenescence) making it more difficult to fight off infections. This can lead to long-term illness and life-threatening complications; adults over 65 account for over 75% of all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. (CDC). Most currently used vaccines are less immunogenic and effective in the elderly compared to younger adults. Thus new vaccine technologies that can deliver higher immunogenicity and greater efficacy are greatly needed, especially for older adults